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Minister Shamu

Blessings Chidakwa Chinhoyi Bureau
Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) intends to partner with Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital to open the very first medical school in Mashonaland West province.

It is envisaged that a new medical school will help solve the shortage of professional medical practitioners. This emerged during a tour of Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital by Minister of State for Provincial Affairs in Mashonaland West Webster Shamu last week.

The hospital currently has two specialist doctors out of a possible 12. CUT spokesperson Dr Tapera Musekiwa said the university was in process of establishing a School of Health Science.

“Yes, there are plans for the establishment of a medical school outside the university with the aid of the Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital,” he said. “The plans are still at an infant stage (and) we are in the process of establishing a School of Health Science.”

Chinhoyi Provincial Medical Superintendent Dr Collet Mawire said the hospital was ready to assist in the setting up the medical school.

“As you are aware, our hospital is one of the biggest and modern in terms of infrastructure countrywide and we felt that our university can exploit the resources through setting up a medical school. Feasibility studies are underway from both sides and we hope to kick-start the project soon,” Dr Mawire said.

Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital board chairperson Ms Matilda Jairos hailed the initiative.

“Such partnerships that bring development in the province should be applauded. Attitude change towards the way we perceive things is the way to go,” she said.

Minister Shamu said both parties had informed Government of the intention to open the very first medical school in the province.

“I am pleased to announce that Government under the new dispensation is actively working to address some of the challenges being faced by CPH. I am aware that CUT and CPH has plans to set up a medical school and as Government we are very supportive of the noble idea,” he said.